5 Ways Labour’s Plans Rest on Finding the Right Talent

Yesterday, the King’s Speech set out Labour’s big plans for the future, bringing hope and excitement. With their recent win, Labour aims to make huge changes in energy, transport, and infrastructure to help the UK grow and improve. However, achieving these goals heavily relies on finding the right talent.

1. Great British Energy, Nuclear, and Renewable Projects:

Labour wants the UK to lead in clean energy by 2030 by starting a new company, Great British Energy, to focus on renewable energy sources like wind and solar. They plan to double the amount of onshore wind farms, triple solar panels, and quadruple offshore wind farms.

These ambitious projects will require engineers, project managers, and technicians who specialize in renewable energy to design, build, and maintain these installations. Ed Miliband emphasizes the importance of skilled workers, stating, “Britain’s joiners, welders, engineers, technicians, and construction workers are the people who are going to deliver a green future for this country.”

Additionally, the Offshore Wind Industry Council notes that the number of people employed by the offshore wind industry will need to triple to just over 104,000 by 2030 to meet current targets. Furthermore, the Nuclear Industry Association has estimated that power stations will require about 250,000 people, compared with their current 77,000-strong workforce.

2. Upgrading the Energy Grid:

To handle the increase in clean energy, Labour will upgrade the energy grid. This involves addressing delays in grid connections and improving transmission infrastructure.

Skilled professionals in electrical engineering, grid management, and infrastructure planning are essential to ensure these upgrades are completed efficiently and effectively. Andy Lane from BP’s carbon capture business highlights a critical issue: “The truth is, we’re likely to run out of people before we run out of money for the green transition.”

3. Nationalizing Railways and Improving Transport:

Labour plans to nationalize the railways through Great British Rail, improving train services. They will also reinstate the 2030 deadline to stop selling new petrol and diesel cars.

These transport initiatives require railway engineers, maintenance workers, and transport planners to enhance the existing infrastructure and support the transition to electric vehicles. Additionally, the government has set a target of at least 75% growth in rail freight by 2050.

As more freight is moved on rails, more drivers will be needed. The sector faces a significant skills shortage, needing up to 120,000 additional people by 2030, with demand peaking around 2025. This is largely due to an aging workforce, with nearly 50,000 rail industry employees expected to retire by 2030.

4. Building and Construction Projects:

Labour has a 10-year plan to speed up major projects, including national 5G coverage by 2030. They also aim to reintroduce energy efficiency standards by 2030 to help renters save money and invest ￡7.3 billion in green jobs and technologies through a Green Prosperity Plan.

Construction workers, planners, and infrastructure specialists will be in high demand to carry out these large-scale building projects.

5. Green Finance and Economic Growth:

Labour’s Green Prosperity Plan includes making the UK a leader in green finance, with banks supporting climate goals.

Financial analysts, environmental scientists, and sustainability experts will be needed to drive these green finance initiatives and manage investments in new technologies. Enhancing green finance will ensure that the economic benefits of Labour’s plans are realized and sustained.

Final Word:

To make Labour’s ambitious plans a reality, finding, nurturing, and training talent must be a top priority. This need places workforce solution companies like us, along with educational and retraining institutions, at the heart of the discussion. Moreover, promoting diversity and inclusion is crucial, as many segments of society remain underutilized or untapped. Ensuring a broad and inclusive talent pool is key to driving these transformative changes.

For more details on Labour’s energy and infrastructure vision, read their full manifesto here and the infrastructure highlights here.